On November 26th 2015, we shared our support at the 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Conference which was held here in Adelaide by DV Snapshots.

It was an all day event with many key speakers including Adelaide Councillor, Priscilla Corbell; Kelly Vincent, who is the Dignity for Disability Party’s representative in South Australian Parliament; Senior Constable Derrick McManus, who, in 1994, was shot 14 times in a siege then left for 3 hours until help could reach him and survived and is now an international speaker; and Chloe Valentines’ grandmother, Belinda Valentine.

Councillor Priscilla Corbell

Kelly Vincent & Rowena Brown

The day was filled with survivors sharing their stories, Business people explaining how they are going to raise awareness and take action within their work environment, those in the minority groups who are affected and largely ignored, youth representatives, education representatives and many others both supporting and contributing to the event. The conference was organised predominately by survivors (male and female) and sponsored by the SAHMRI Wellbeing & Resilience Centre and hosted by AmyLee Hands who flew in from Queensland.

Senior Constable Derrick McManus

Belinda Valentine

Domestic Violence is a massive issue and affects everyone, not just women. It’s really important to break down the barriers of silence and ridicule to enable those affected to have a safe place to speak and be acknowledged. Action needs to be taken, processes, procedures and needs met to enable those directly affected to have a safe place to be, whether they choose to remain in their home or leave. Here in South Australia, several new procedures have been introduced which allow more freedom of choice and protection for those affected. More information can be obtained on this by visiting Domestic Violence Information